From the old days

TUPELO – Tractors can be tools, oddities or time machines, depending on the viewer.
A new exhibit at Tupelo Automobile Museum spotlights antique tractors, as well as wagons and other farm equipment.
Allen McDaniel, museum curator, didn’t grow up on a farm, but he has history with a tractor similar to a 1947 Cub on display.
McDaniel was a car guy, but his boss asked him to try to get the tractor running. He was successful, and the smile on his face matched the one on his boss’ face.
“That tractor reminds me of him and those days,” he said. “I think it’s the same for a lot of people: These machines remind you of good times you’ve had.”
The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 23. There are 14 tractors. The number hits 15 if you count a pedal-powered toy Ford, which is positioned next to a full-sized Ford 650.
A horse-drawn riding cultivator from the 1920s or ‘30s is on display next to an old-fashioned walking plow and an Avery manure spreader.
“Avery manufactured really good farm equipment. It was always long-lasting, well-built. It was all guaranteed,” McDaniel said, “but the only thing they would not stand behind was the manure spreader.”
If you didn’t get McDaniel’s joke, visit the exhibit and you’ll realize the last thing someone would want to stand behind is a manure spreader in action.
About two-thirds of the equipment on display comes from members of the Tri-State Flywheelers.
Some of the machines are restored showpieces, while others are still put to work. That goes for a John Deere 40 combine from the 1950s that the owner uses for his 20-acre hobby farm.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10/general admission, $9/seniors, AAA, military and veterans, $8/groups of 10 or more and $5/5-12. Call (662) 842-4242 for information.
scott.morris@journalinc.com